Shed permit rules in Fremont, CA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Fremont allows backyard sheds up to 120 sq ft without a building permit. Larger sheds need permits and setbacks. Zoning limits rear and side yard coverage.
Fremont follows the California Residential Code, which exempts detached one-story accessory structures 120 square feet or less from a building permit, provided the shed is used for storage only, has no plumbing, no electrical service (beyond a single non-fixed extension cord), and is not on a permanent foundation serving as habitable space. Sheds up to 120 square feet still must comply with zoning: minimum 3-foot side and rear setbacks, no encroachment into front yard or easements, and maximum 10-foot height. Sheds over 120 square feet, with electrical, or with plumbing, require a building permit with a formal site plan showing setbacks. Sheds in the east foothill VHFHSZ must use ignition-resistant materials within 30 feet of the main home. All sheds count toward lot coverage limits (typically 40 to 50 percent depending on zone).
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Fremont, CA
Fremont limits leaf blower use to daytime hours and must comply with California AB 1346 banning sales of new gas blowers statewide as of 2024.
Fremont, CA
Fremont limits industrial noise to 70 dBA at commercial property lines and 55 dBA at abutting residential lines under FMC Chapter 5.30.
Fremont, CA
Fremont treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under FMC Chapter 6, with Animal Services investigating complaints and issuing citations.
Fremont, CA
Fremont permits wood, masonry, vinyl, and metal fences but restricts barbed wire, electric fencing, and combustible materials in fire-hazard zones.
Fremont, CA
Retaining walls over 3 feet high require engineered permits in Fremont, with extra scrutiny for Mission Peak and Hayward Fault slope areas.
Fremont, CA
Fremont prohibits exotic and wild animals under California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 and FMC Chapter 6, preempting most exotics.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle shed rules.
See how Fremont's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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